“Hari Om, Namaskar!” There stands Swami Vishwananda at the gate of his home welcoming us. It is a great joy to see Swamiji, it has been eight years since we have seen him last. After he gives me a hug I take his hand, for his steps are less than steady, although he displays a strong grip.
Swamiji is now 94 years old and it shows physically, although he in all other ways he is as vigorous and full of life as ever! We enter into his apartment, he has shifted since we were last here. He is now on the ground floor, stairs are not possible for him to manage. The room where Rama Mani occupied is now kept as a shrine, with pictures of the saints she knew and loved, and who loved her, are carefully kept in place.
“Yes, I miss her,” Swamiji admits, choking up as he speaks of his beloved niece. “She was loved by so many saints, Ma always treated her special, Papa always asked her to sing, and Shankarcharya would always give her special attention.”
We miss her quiet presence and her care of Swamiji. His quarters are not as well kept as when she did her immaculate service, and her stuffed aloo paranthas are still the best I have ever tasted.
Swamiji immediately launches into a clear remembrance of our circumambulation of India in 1998. He recalls in particular our journey to Puttaparthi. “You became aware of one area, and said you felt the presence of great souls there. Madam (speaking to Carla), there is a bathing tank there on that hill, and very great souls have meditated there. He (David) was somehow knowing of that! I have spent time there, thirty days, fourteen days, wonderful place.” Memories poured forth from Swamiji like a river constantly flowing.
“One thing sir, you must go to Kanyakumari. One Swami Vivekananda meditated on that rock. When Vivekananda arrived there he immediately dove into those waters and swam to the rock. I went there myself. When I arrived I too dove in and swam. The boatman there was very excited (disturbed) that I was swimming in those waters, but I went over. There was no Temple there at that time.”
I had not heard this this particular from Swamiji before. I have written about being at Kanyakumari in “My Spiritual India.” The story goes that when Swami Vivekananda arrived at Kanyakumari as a wandering mendicant he asked a boatman for a ride to those distant rocks. The boatman asked for money, but since Vivekananda carried none with him he immediately dove into the ocean and swam to the rocks. The shocked boatman could not believe this Swami was braving those shark infested waters; he told other villagers about this bold stroke. Many of the villagers then rowed out to the island and begged Swamiji his forgiveness and offered him food and water, which he refused. He was determined to spend time meditating there in order to get clarity on his life’s mission. Swami Vishwananda had bravely followed in swimming over as well; not an easy feat!
Swamiji expressed great concern over the current course of India, that people were losing their way. “I have seen it! Before there was correct behavior. Now, so much materialism and corruption.” He went on at length. I too worry that India keeps her spiritual bearings while navigating in modern technological waters.
Abhay and his wife, Lalitha, arrive and bring lunch with them. I ask Abhay to relate a story he told me previously of when Hanuman blessed him, which I record on video along with stories Swamji is relating as well.
I feel great bliss being with Swami Vishwananda. He said that yesterday he had been quite dull, but today he is full of life, vigor, every inch the force of nature that we have always known him to be. He claims it is due to me, but I know that he has led a dynamic life and it is such a joy to share this time with him. His depth of spirituality is wonderful, like a beautiful patina that increasingly glows with luster through time.
Swamiji has been intimate with some of the great spiritual personalities of his time: Anandamayee Ma (she is his Guru), Ramana Maharshi, Papa Ramdas, Shankarcharya, Anandashram Swami, Maharishi Mehesh Yogi, Satya Sai Baba, and many others. He has moved in high circles, such as when the President of India asked Swamiji to organize a private audience with the Shankarcharya, which he did. Anandamayee Ma also asked Swamiji to arrange to see the Shankarcharya.
Swamiji went on to say, apparently there is some talk of it, that Satya Sai Baba was gradually poisoned, murdered due to the vast wealth that surrounded him. India is nothing if not rife with rumors, and certainly spiritual personalities, especially famous and rich ones, are subject to every speculation, true and not true.
Swamiji went on, with a little prompting to relate stories from the Mahabharata. I sat in a blissful state as he proceeded from story to story, treasuring my time with this special soul. When we take our leave he sees us out to the street and helps up give directions to the autorickshaw driver. He is the picture of love and goodwill; a rare soul whose fire still burns bright. Pronams, Swamiji.